From time to time, discussions emerge about the the ideal lens (whatever that means) for photographing people.

Well, unless you specifically have your "ideal lens" mounted, or are carrying two camera bodies, you might not be prepared for the unexpected opportunity to use your "ideal lens."

I've always felt that most any lens can do a pretty good job photographing people, depending on various factors, such as the background -- which you can't always control with candid opportunities, in which many of my photographs are taken.

I've looked back at some recent and past photographs of people taken with various lenses and focal lengths. Here are a few. I've indicated the focal length followed by (= ) to give the full frame equivalent.

- Richard

1. Panasonic 7-14mm f/4

@14mm (=28mm)

2. Panasonic 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6

@14mm (-28mm)

@23mm 9+46mm)

@33mm (=66mm)

@34mm (=68mm)

@45mm (=90mm)

@45mm (=90mm)

3. Panasonic 20mm f/1.7

(=40mm)

(=40mm)

4. Canon EFS-17-55mm f/2.8

@55mm (=88mm)

@55mm (=88mm)

5. Panasonic 45mm f/2.8

(=90mm) [marathon runner]

6. Canon EFS-60mm f/2.8

(=96mm) [she let me photograph in her garden and afterwards I asked to take a quick closeup]